On Jan. 9, 2012, State Senate Republican Assembly Leader Alex DeCroce died after collapsing in the Statehouse on the eve of what would have been the annual State of the State address. He was 75 years old. Details are not clear as to what caused the death of the assemblyman.
Born on June 10, 1936, DeCroce was first elected to the Assembly in 1989 and served the 26th Legislative District. He attended Seton Hall University and made his home in Morris County.
“I lost a dear friend, colleague, and mentor - Assembly Republican Leader Alex DeCroce,” said Governor Chris Christie. “I have known Alex for nearly twenty years. He helped to give me my start in elective politics in Morris County in 1993. He was one of the most kind, considerate, and trustworthy people I have ever had the pleasure to know. He was an enormously accomplished legislator and a tremendous servant to the people of New Jersey. Mary Pat and I offer our most heartfelt condolences to his wife, Department of Community Affairs Deputy Commissioner Betty Lou DeCroce, and to Alex’s entire family. This is an enormous loss for our state and for me personally.”
“The state of New Jersey lost not just a capable and dignified public servant but a truly great and passionate human being,” said NJGOP Chairman Samual Raia. “Throughout his long and dedicated career, Assembly Republican Leader Alex DeCroce defined what it meant to faithfully represent the people of this state. His strong leadership and thoughtful voice will be missed for years to come. It is with great sympathy and a heavy heart that I send my deepest condolences to his wife Betty Lou, the entire DeCroce family, and all those who got the opportunity to work with Assemblyman DeCroce.”
“As Chief Counsel to the Governor, I had the opportunity to work very closely with Assembly Republican Leader Alex DeCroce,” said newly appointed Attorney General Jeffrey Chisea. “I was consistently impressed with his character, leadership and absolute dedication to the people of New Jersey. My thoughts and prayers are with his entire family.
“New Jersey lost one of its most respected elder statesmen,” said U.S. Senator Robert Menendez. “Assemblyman Alex DeCroce was a model public servant, a dedicated leader who always brought civility and a smile to the legislative process. The people of New Jersey have lost a great man, but his legacy of leadership and service will be remembered for many years to come. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Betty Lou, his family, friends, and the people of Morris County he represented so well for 23 years.”
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